GREEN PARTY OF UTAH CONDEMNS DRACONIAN SENTENCING OF DANIEL “DES” SANCHEZ ESTRADA AND THE PRAIRIELAND DEFENDANTS

The Green Party of Utah (GPUT) strongly condemns the recent federal sentencing (June 23, 2026) of immigrant, tattoo artist, and political activist Daniel “Des” Sanchez Estrada, alongside his fellow Prairieland defendants. This troubling escalation in the federal prosecution of political dissent—rooted in a demonstration at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Texas—represents a severe threat to basic democratic freedoms and constitutional rights.

Daniel Sanchez Estrada was targeted, trailed by federal agents, and arrested following a minor traffic stop, ultimately facing federal charges for distributing widely available anarchist zines. The federal government’s campaign to map peaceful political expression onto fictitious “domestic terrorism” networks is an explicit attempt to silence critics of immigration enforcement and border militarization.

This prosecution directly undermines the core tenets of a free society. The GPUT stands firmly on our party’s national platform and Four Pillars: Peace, Ecology, Social Justice, and Grassroots Democracy.

GPUT members maintain that the weaponization of the judicial system to criminalize alternative literature and target immigrant communities is a direct assault on Grassroots Democracy and Social Justice. The party asserts that when independent media and political zines are treated as contraband or evidence of terrorism, the state is actively intimidating regular people into silence. Green Party members emphasize that free speech cannot be conditional on whether the government approves of the literature being printed.

By exploiting Des’s immigration status to maximize prosecutorial leverage, federal agencies are setting a dangerous precedent that criminalizes the right to assembly and free speech. This strategy disproportionately targets immigrant, migrant, and refugee organizers who speak out against systemic human rights violations inside detention centers.

In alignment with the foundational Green value of Non-Violence, GPUT members stand opposed to this institutional violence being used to crush peaceful political opposition. Party members point out that Des and the other Prairieland activists chose to bear witness to the cruelty of the immigration system. The GPUT holds that handing down heavy prison sentences for the simple act of sharing ideas and carrying zines is a severe federal overreach that should deeply alarm all people, regardless of political affiliation.

The GPUT previously signed onto the “Free Des” solidarity letter and continues to stand in unwavering alignment with the dozens of legal, civil rights, and grassroots organizations demanding systemic accountability. True safety and justice cannot exist in a society where political speech is criminalized, and where a small, authoritarian minority dictates what ideas are safe to read, share, or possess.

We call for the immediate release of Daniel “Des” Sanchez Estrada and all political prisoners targeted for their defense of immigrant rights. A threat to political dissent anywhere is an immediate threat to the freedom of us all.

Free Des History and Press Statement, June 23

Prairieland Defendant Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Moving a Box of Antifascist Zines, June 23

Zines Are Not a Crime! Free Des Sanchez, January 12

Transgender Day of Visibility

The Green Party of the United States stands in solidarity in honoring Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), March 31st. Since 2009, TDOV has been a day to celebrate the lives, contributions, and resilience of transgender people, and to recommit to the ongoing struggle for their rights.

This year, that recognition comes at a time of intensifying attacks.

Across the country, transgender people, especially trans youth, have been targeted by an unprecedented wave of legislation, executive actions, and political rhetoric aimed at restricting healthcare, education, and even the basic right to exist openly and safely.These are not abstract policy debates; they are direct assaults on human dignity, safety, and survival.

Too many elected officials in the parties of War and Wall Street have failed to meet this moment with the clarity and courage it demands. While conservatives have driven these attacks, leaders in the so-called opposition party have too often stayed silent—or worse, treated the rights and safety of trans people as politically expendable.

The Green Party of the United States rejects compromise when it comes to fundamental human rights. We stand firmly with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and all gender and romantic minority communities; not just in words, but in policy and action.

Our National Lavender Green Caucus represents LGBTQIA+ members and allies within the party. If you’re eligible, we invite you to join and help strengthen this work.

We believe that meeting this moment requires bold, systemic solutions, including:

A comprehensive national healthcare system that guarantees full access to gender-affirming care, as well as behavioral, dental, hearing, and vision services.
Explicit protections against discrimination in healthcare based on gender identity, sexuality, race, nationality, or income
Increased funding for HIV/AIDS research and prevention
A guaranteed living wage and a serious commitment to ending homelessness, which disproportionately impacts LGBTQIA+ youth
Inclusive, affirming K-12 education and free public education through college
Ending mass incarceration and the War on Drugs, which disproportionately harm queer and trans people, especially in communities of color

At a time when trans people are being pushed out of public life, we affirm something simple but powerful: trans people belong everywhere. Visible. Valued. Liberated.

No other national political party matches the Green Party’s commitment to the liberation of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex.

Your continued support helps ensure that candidates and organizers committed to these values have the resources to fight—and win. Please consider supporting or getting involved today.

In Solidarity,

Daniel Bumbarger
Co-Chair, National Lavender Green Caucus

https://www.gp.org/

P.S. You can provide financial support directly to the National Lavender Green Caucus or donate your time and volunteer! Or consider showing off your Lavender Green Pride with one of our Queer Liberation T-Shirts!

Green Party of the United States · PO Box 75075, Washington, DC 20013, United States

Support the Green Party of Utah. Find out how here.

Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

On March 25 we marked the anniversary of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, where 146 garment workers, mostly young immigrant women, perished due to locked doors and corporate greed. Their sacrifice ignited the modern movement for workplace safety and the right to organize.

Garment workers take to the streets in mourning and solidarity following the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911.

As we honor their memory, we see history’s chilling echoes in today’s escalated ICE attacks on our immigrant neighbors. These raids and enforcement actions create a climate of fear that corporations exploit to suppress wages and silence workers.The Green Party of the United States stands in firm solidarity with all workers, regardless of documentation status. We recognize that the same corporate greed that locked those doors in 1911 continues to threaten workers today through the criminalization of immigrant communities and the erosion of essential labor protections.

We believe a healthy and just economy must serve people over profit. We demand:

An end to ICE raids and deportations that tear families apart and leave workers vulnerable.
A living wage and safe workplaces for every worker, regardless of documentation status.
Strengthened unions and the protected right to collective bargaining for all.

The 1911 tragedy was a failure of a system that prioritized profit over human life. The Green Party is dedicated to replacing that system with one rooted in social justice and dignity for all workers.

The Green Party of the United States has unwavering solidarity with workers and vulnerable immigrant communities because we don’t accept money from the billionaires and corporations that fund the two parties of war and Wall Street. It’s supporters like you who make this possible. Please consider a donation or even a becoming a monthly sustainer so that we can keep challenging the duopoly as the party that always puts people and planet over profits.

Let us honor the memory of those lost in 1911 by continuing the fight for a future where every worker is treated with the respect, protection, and dignity they deserve.

In Solidarity,
Green Party of the United States

Green Party of the United States · PO Box 75075, Washington, DC 20013, United States

Green Party of Utah Condemns ICE Killings – Calls for Urgent Action

The Green Party of Utah (GPUT) strongly condemns the Killings committed by Federal Employees during the month of January 2026, as well as the failure of the elected officials associated with both the Republican and Democratic Parties to put an end to the violent and inhumane violations of Constitutional Rights plainly evident to the Public.

“The current and recent actions committed by, and at the behest of, the Executive Branch of our National Government are plainly in violation of not only multiple Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, but of virtually every definition of Human Rights,” states Tom King, member of the GPUT. “And yet, the Elected Representatives of the People, orders from State and Federal Courts, and hundreds of Court Cases have all failed to stop these actions from continuing.”

Matt Styles, Secretary of the GPUT adds, “Renee Good and Alex Pretti were innocent, law-abiding U.S. citizens who were executed in the street for no other reason than for resisting unlawful coercion by Federal ICE agents. They are not the only victims either, with many more dying in ICE detention centers even when they do comply. The only thing arguably more horrendous than this may be the complicity of our elected officials in allowing this to continue. At this point it is clear that the only way we will get the message across is to organize together and shut the system down with a general strike. When we stand together, we win.”

The GPUT therefore issues an urgent and strong call for these actions:

The Elected Officials from both Major political parties work with each other in their respective chambers of Congress to quickly and urgently put an end to the current GOP Regime’s actions against the American People and the Constitution of the United States.
The removal of funding from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The immediate suspension of the illegal and deadly actions in which ICE and CBP are engaged
The investigation and prosecution of any violations of Court Orders or Laws in which this Regime has engaged.

More information: greenpartyofutah.org greenpartyutah@gmail.com

Zines are not a crime! Free Des Sanchez

The Green Party of Utah (GPUT) has signed on to the “Free Des” Letter, calling for his release from prison. Since July 6, 2025, Daniel “Des” Sanchez Estrada has been held in federal prison for distributing materials that opposed the Trump administration’s policies.

According to the statement, Des was arrested two days after a demonstration at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Texas, after being followed by FBI agents to the facility where his wife, a Prairieland defendant arrested with others at the event, was incarcerated. Des was pulled over for a minor traffic offense and subsequently arrested, after which he was charged with distributing the materials at issue. Those materials have been noted to be widely available zines. Des was later charged with being part of a (fictitious) Antifa group and conspiring to conceal documents that could be used in his criminal case. The prosecution of Des is known to be tied to and threatening his immigration status, setting a dangerous precedent for the criminalization of dissent against the Trump administration and paves the way for broader attacks on immigrant, migrant, and refugee friends and families.

The GPUT joins dozens of other organizations in the demand for the immediate release of Des and to cease the suppression of free speech and the targeting of immigrants.

“The Trump administration is setting a dangerous precedent, admitting to the world they do not need to follow the law, whether it be local law or international law,” states Russell Wagstaff, GPUT Co-Chair. “We must be prepared to challenge all authoritarian overreach, and not allow a small minority to dictate what is considered free speech. This attack on immigrants will not stop with immigrants, soon, this and future administrations will turn their eyes toward all dissident citizens.”

“Authoritarian regimes rise when the people don’t hold them accountable for their overreach, and there are few clearer signs of burgeoning fascism than the outright targeting of people based on ideology,” adds GPUT Secretary Matt Styles. “We cannot allow this attack on democracy to go unchecked. We cannot let Des become a victim of the Trump administration’s suppression of political opposition.”

The GPUT also urges all organizations and groups wanting to defend a free society to join the call by signing the solidarity statement.

“A threat to Des is a threat to us all.”

The Green Party of Utah Responds to Attack on Disability Rights by Utah and D.C. Republicans

The Republican assault on disability rights threatens the independence and equality of millions of Americans. The Green Party of Utah (GPUT) stands firm in demanding aggressive implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We are committed to prohibiting discrimination, enabling people with disabilities to achieve full independence, and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children.

In Utah the Republican Attorney General is party to a federal lawsuit, with 17 other republican state attorney generals, charging Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as unconstitutional. At its core, Section 504 requires all programs or activities that receive any federal funding to not discriminate against people based on their disability(ies).^¹ There are important historic disability civil rights moments related to adoption of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a critical milestone in disability rights. If the federal courts agree with the Utah Republicans, would be impossible for government to enforce reasonable accommodation requirements.

On a national level the Trump Justice Department recently revoked 11 ADA Guidelines which had clarified requirements under the ADA, including disability accessibility requirements for hotels and gas stations, some dating back to 1999.^² Revoking the guidance does not mean that requirements under the ADA have changed, but it will make it harder for people to know what the rules are and how they apply. The American Association of People with Disabilities said the department’s move eliminates protections that are “necessary and timely” and the organization is “very concerned about these changes.”

These Republican policies threaten an already fragile support system for people with disabilities. As Adam Guymon, GPUT ADA Coordinator, warns, “Our diagnostic frameworks systematically erase the lived experiences of individuals with emerging disabilities. Disability is a universal human experience that touches every family, community, and generation.” Guymon explains that the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM)³ used in the U.S. to code and classify medical diagnoses, presents challenges in diagnosing complex disabilities, creating barriers for those with conditions outside existing categories. Current disability services remain minimal and underfunded, with any further interference threatening disabled persons’ fundamental dignity and independence.

Guymon further emphasizes, “These policies aren’t just political—they directly impact families, workers, and veterans. Disability doesn’t define potential; shortsighted policies do.”

As Lionel Trepanier, GPUT Grassroots Coordinator, declares, “Disability rights are the cornerstone of a just society. When we remove barriers, we don’t just empower individuals—we elevate our entire community.”

These Republican policies allow and promote discrimination against the disabled when the latest CDC data reveals over 70 million adults in the United States, (28.7% of adults) report having a functional disability.⁴ Nearly half of these persons, more than twelve percent (12.2%) of U.S. adults report a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.⁵ Add also 7.5 million students aged 3-21, representing fifteen percent (15%) of all public school students, who receive special education and/or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.⁶

This is more than an exercise in statistics. These numbers underscore the fact that people with disabilities are a large part of every community and population. Many of us know, or are, someone with a disability, and disability inclusion is beneficial for all. Historically, America led the world in establishing a society with democratic values such as equal opportunity and protection from discrimination. Today, however, our country has taken a wrong turn and now is among the most extreme examples of industrialized nations that have a widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of its citizenry — the disabled, the working poor, the struggling middle class, we who increasingly cannot make ends meet.

Take Action Now!

Contact political representatives!

Support disability rights organizations!

Spread awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities!

Attend the GPUT Spring Convention where the documentary film “Crip Camp” will be screened. More info forthcoming at the events page.

Join the Movement! To learn how to get involved with the GPUT and to help build the GPUT Disability Caucus, visit the website: greenpartyofutah.org or ontact the GPUT ADA Coordinator, Adam Guymon at adacoordinatorgput@gmail.com.

Our collective future depends on our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a society that truly values every member!

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights

²DOJ Withdraws Eleven ADA Guidance Documents For Public Accommodations, By Seyfarth Shaw LLP on March 24, 2025. Respected legal treatise with links to numerous original source documents

³ International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM)

⁴US Center for Disease Control Data Shows Over 70 Million U.S. Adults Reported Having a Disability

^⁵Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic (USCDC)

^⁶National Center for Education Statistics

Free Speech on Trial

GPUT co-chair, Russ Wagstaff, participated in the comment time during “Free Speech on Trial”, August 7, 2024. , featuring Jill Stein and others. This event was sponsored by the St. Louis Green Party and co-sponsored by the GPUT, among many others. Participants heard how the US government is writing new laws, twisting existing laws, and using lawsuits to target organizers that are fighting to end colonialism and oppression. Learn about the activists on the front lines of the fight to save free speech for all of us.
Introduction by Dr. Jill Stein, Green Party presumptive Presidential Nominee: on the right to resist 2 party corruption and on the Green Party standing up to protect free speech.

Speakers:

Omali Yeshitela, Chairman of the African People’s Socialist Party and one of the Uhuru 3. Revolutionary leader fighting for reparations and African self determination

Tara Houska, Indigenous lawyer and activist, founder of Giniw Collective, water protector and organizer: on the collusion between law enforcement and corporations against those protesting for Indigenous land rights

Renee Johnston, weekly show co-host for Black Liberation Media. educator, researcher, abolitionist, and organizer: on the expansions of cop cities and the surveillance state

Rick Lass, Green Party Ballot Access Director for Jill Stein: on the Democratic party’s efforts to bypass and change existing laws to try keep Greens off the ballot

Vote Jill Stein with the Green Party of Utah!

Utah Greens Support Jill Stein for POTUS and have elected Electors, Delegates and Officers.

May 12, 2024

The Green Party of Utah is proud to announce that Jill Stein has won all four delegate votes for Green Party of the United States Presidential Nomination! The GPUT delegates will attend the GPUS Presidential Nominating Convention on August 17. Visit Jill’s website and support her campaign!

We are also pleased to announce the results of the other elected and appointed positions. Congratulations to everyone who accepted the nominations and were elected!

Electors for the State of Utah

Lisa Donaldson

Adam Guymon

Tom King

Brendan Phillips

Matt Styles

Russ Wagstaff

Delegates to the Presidential Nominating Convention

Tom King

Adam Guymon

Dee Taylor

GPUT Coordinating Committee Positions

Executive Council

Co-Chairs

Dee Taylor

Russ Wagstaff

Secretary

Matt Styles

Treasurer

Tom King

Other Coordinating Committee Positions

Delegates to the GPUS National Committee

Adam Guymon

Russ Wagstaff

Dee Taylor (Alternate)

Grassroots Coordinator

Lionel Trepanier, At-Large

It’s a Wrap! Convention Day Success; Voting has Begun

April 29, 2024

Pictured above: GPUT OfficersTom King-Treasurer, Dee Taylor-Co-Chair, Russ Wagstaff-Co-Chair, Adam Guymon, National Delegate. Not pictured: Matt Styles-Treasurer

Convention Day was a success, despite the rainy and cold weather.The technology worked well for the hybrid event, the presidential candidates were all able to join remotely. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the organization of the convention! #VoteGreen #greenpartyutahVoting has begun!

Ballots for the GPUT Presidential Preferential Election and Party Positions have been sent to those who registered to vote in the elections. If you are a registered Green and want to have a voice, register now to vote by May 5! Voting ends at 11:59pm May 9.

Meet the Presidential Candidates

There are three candidates seeking the Green Party nomination for President of the United States. They will appear virtually at the Green Party of Utah April 27 convention

Keep reading for information.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Compare the candidates’ answers to our questionnaire.

Jill Stein

Willing to sign a pledge to not accept corporate (business) or PAC donations

Green Party Member, Massachusetts

Read Jill’s answers to our questionnaire.

Jasmine Sherman

Willing to sign a pledge to not accept corporate (business) or PAC donations

Registered independent in the state of North Carolina

Green Party Member

Received the Unicorn Party’s Presidential Candidate nomination and is currently pursuing the Presidential Candidate nomination from the Peace and Freedom Party.

Actively seeking nominations from several other political parties.

Read Jasmine’s answers to our questionnaire

Jorge Zavala

Green Party Member, California

Willing to sign a pledge to not accept corporate (business) or PAC

donations

Read Jorge’s answers to our questionnaire

ARE YOU READY?

Convention Day is almost here!

You must be a registered Green in Utah to vote in the upcoming Presidential Preference Election. Find out how to register to vote Green.

Everyone is invited to an action-packed day on April 27 with

the Green Party of Utah

Salt Lake City Public Library,

210 E 400 S

Meeting Room B.

These event is free and open to the public.

Convention Schedule

Presidential Candidates will appear individually via Zoom. The GPUT website has detailed information on how to participate and prepare in advance for this Convention (including virtual participation).

10am-noon: Meet-Up: Learn more about the GPUT through conversation and activities

Noon-2pm: Lunch Break

2:00—Welcome and Introductions

2:20 – Introduction to Presidential Candidates

2:30-Jill Stein

3:10-Jorge Zavala

3:45-Jasmine Sherman

4:20- Proposal for apportionment of Delegates (to be decided at convention, per bylaws)

VOTE on apportionment proposal (registered Greens – honor code)

4:30-Description of open positions and voting process

4:40-Nominations from the floor for positions

4:50-4:55 Closing Remarks

Meet the Presidential Candidates

There are three candidates seeking the Green Party nomination for President of the United States. They will appear virtually at the Green Party of Utah April 27 convention

Keep reading for information.

Compare the candidates’ answers to our questionnaire.

Jill Stein

Willing to sign a pledge to not accept corporate (business) or PAC donations

Green Party Member, Massachusetts

Read Jill’s answers to our questionnaire.

Jasmine Sherman

Willing to sign a pledge to not accept corporate (business) or PAC donations

Registered independent in the state of North Carolina

Green Party Member

Received the Unicorn Party’s Presidential Candidate nomination and is currently pursuing the Presidential Candidate nomination from the Peace and Freedom Party.

Actively seeking nominations from several other political parties.

Read Jamine’s answers to our questionnaire

Jorge Zavala

Green Party Member, California

Willing to sign a pledge to not accept corporate (business) or PAC

donations

Read Jorge’s answers to our questionnaire

Do you have a question for the Presidential Candidates?

Enter your questions on SLIDO here:

Join at slido.com

Code #2778 943

Ask a question and see what other questions are being asked (Under “Q&A”). You can also give a thumb up for the questions

you like the best.

Alternatively, you can send your questions to greenpartyutah@gmail.com

Voting in the Presidential Preference Election will be held in the days following the convention for registered Greens. Those who are registered for this election will receive a ballot no later than May 1. Voting will end May 10.